Wanted: 15,000 UK Young People to Be the Next Generation of Technology Leaders - Code Club set to grow, Enabled by HRH The Duke of York Patronage and ARM Sponsorship

06 February 2013

HRH The Duke of York, KG, announced as Patron, supporting Code Club to raise awareness of the need to educate children in programming

Global technology leader and the UK’s largest public technology company, ARM, commits support and funding to establish up to 1,000 after school clubs enabling over 15,000 UK primary school children to learn the fundamental basics of how to write computer programs

Code Club aims to reach 5,000 UK schools (25%) by 2015

LONDON -Code Club, the national network of volunteer led after school coding clubs for children aged 9 – 11, has today announced a new drive to help the UK maintain its position as a global technology leader with the appointment of The Duke of York as Patron and the announcement of the organisation’s first corporate sponsorship from ARM. As Patron of Code Club, His Royal Highness will play a pivotal role in raising public awareness of the need to enthuse, excite and educate children to become the technologists of the future, while financial and mentoring support from ARM will facilitate Code Club’s rapid expansion plans and help deliver its mission to teach the next generation to code. The Duke of York is becoming Patron of Code Club as part of his ongoing effort to support initiatives that encourage young people to continue with STEM subjects at school, college and university, and thereafter to consider a career in science and engineering.

“ARM have recognised that the lack of UK developers is an industry-wide problem and have stepped in to make a difference to a scheme that could really address this problem and deliver a steady stream of talent in the future.”

The partnership will foster a long-term improvement in the abundance of coding talent in the UK by inspiring and encouraging the development of skills in Computer Programming and STEM subjects from an early age. With ARM’s support, Code Club expects to increase the number of after school clubs across the UK to 1000, allowing an additional 9,000 UK school children to benefit from Code Club’s programme.

“I enjoy Code Club, it's better than an ICT lesson because instead of using Word and Powerpoint we make games and animations. We have made loads of games so far and I hope the levels go on forever as it is really, really FUN!" said Effie, Code Club member at Soho Parish School.

“ARM have recognised that the lack of UK developers is an industry-wide problem and have stepped in to make a difference to a scheme that could really address this problem and deliver a steady stream of talent in the future.” said Code Club founder, Clare Sutcliffe.

Mentoring and hands on support will be critical and ARM will also be drawing upon its own world-leading developer talent to set up an additional 12 clubs at primary schools around the company’s UK offices.

“The UK is home to some of the world’s most innovative companies, creating technology that lies at the heart of familiar and iconic digital products. For the UK to continue to be a world leader in this area, we must inspire and educate the next generation, not only about the use of technology but also about how technology actually works,” said Stephen Pattison, vice president, Public Affairs, ARM. “Code Club has an imaginative and fun approach to engaging young people in learning programming skills which are essential in a digital world. ARM fully supports Code Club in its mission of teaching the next generation to code.”

The announcement marks the first round of corporate funding for Code Club. To date, Code Club supports 500 UK primary schools based on awards and private donations. The support by HRH Duke of York and ARM will make a significant contribution to the goal of establishing Code Clubs in 5,000 (25%) primary schools across the UK by the end of 2015, more is needed and Code Club welcomes additional industry support.

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ABOUT CODE CLUB
Code Club is a volunteer-led after-school social enterprise program aimed at giving UK children, aged 9-11, the chance to learn to code. Code Club works by connecting programmers with their local schools and providing them with a set of projects to teach for an hour a week in an after-school club setting.

About ARM ARM designs the technology that is at the heart of advanced digital products, from wireless, networking and consumer entertainment solutions to imaging, automotive, security and storage devices. ARM’s comprehensive product offering includes RISC microprocessors, graphics processors, video engines, enabling software, cell libraries, embedded memories, high-speed connectivity products, peripherals and development tools. Combined with comprehensive design services, training, support and maintenance, and the company’s broad Partner community, they provide a total system solution that offers a fast, reliable path to market for leading electronics companies. Find out more about ARM by following these links:

Notes to Editors The Royal Society (2004) noted that students’ enthusiasm for science, engineering and technology subjects can be boosted by experiences outside the classroom. Additional images available on request.

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